1924 Lancia Lambda Fourth Series Tourer

This 1924 Lancia Lambda Fourth Series Tourer was offered for sale at the 2007 Christie's Auction held of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' It is finished in black with a tan leather interior. Its Tipo 67 narrow Vee four-cylinder engine produces nearly 70 horsepower and is mated to a three-speed manual gearbox.

It has resided in its present ownership, located in California, since the 1940s. It features a front sprung bumper which was available to US-bound cars, which means this car may have spent its entire life in the US. Much of the car is period correct and in original, yet showing its age, condition. It may have been restored once since new and possibly even been given a 'refresher' paint job. The rear seats are in good condition due to being covered by a tonneau cover. The front seats have dried, cracked, and degraded. The windscreen glass is broken, and the top has been lost. The mounting brackets for the top are still in place and appear to be structurally solid.

The engine that resides in the engine bay is believed not to be original. It is the larger engine that was introduced with later cars. The engine still runs and the instrumentation seems to be unmolested.

At auction, this car carried an estimated value of $70,000 - $90,000. It was not that shocking to see the sale price exceed this estimate, as it is mostly original and still in fairly good condition considering its age. With proper restoration, this car will be a welcomed entrant at many concours events and its sporty characteristics and lightweight body will make it an excellent modern-day touring car. The final selling price, including the buyer's premium, was $104,500.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007